by: Kelvin Hunt
Jay Hieron is will step back into the MMA spotlight on October 11th as he fights on the A Night of Combat 2 card at The Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. The former IFL Welterweight Champion hasn’t been able to fight for the past 5 months, and it’s not because he wanted a vacation from the fight game. PRO MMA had the chance to speak with Hieron before his fight this weekend. He gave his thoughts on his upcoming fight, Affliction and Golden Boy working together, and who he could possibly fight in the future.
PRO MMA: Hey Jay, how’s it going man? Thanks for taking the time to speak with us as we know you are completing the final preparations for your fight this weekend. How are you feeling physically and mentally?
Jay: Thanks man everything is good right now. I’m in great shape physically and my mind is clear. It’s been a long time man and I’m ready to go.
PRO MMA: We last saw you in April of this year defeating Mark Miller via TKO in the first round. It’s been nearly 5 months since that IFL event, what have you been doing during that time span?
Jay: I’ve been in the gym everyday training man staying in shape. A lot of the fighters I train with have had fights, so I’ve just been staying busy helping them get ready while staying in shape myself. You know I’ve had a couple of fights that didn’t happen so now that I have this opportunity I’m ready to go because it’s been a long time.
PRO MMA: You were scheduled to fight on the “Affliction: Day of Reckoning” event. Do you have any idea of why that event didn’t come to fruition?
Jay: I just know the event got postponed and then Affliction announced the partnership with Golden Boy. I 
think it’s a blessing. Oscar (De la Hoya) is a great fighter and a great promoter. I think we will get to see some big things happening because of this partnership. I think this will be great for the sport of MMA.
PRO MMA: You are fighting Bryson Kamaka this weekend. Do you know much about him and how do you see this fight going?
Jay: I know he’s Hawaiian and has a lot of pride. He will probably want to come out and bang. I’m cool with that, but I think I’m much more well rounded than he is. I’m definitely not looking past this guy, but it’s been a long time and I’m ready to go. I’m trying to let it all hang out and I’m going to try and finish him. If he gives me a opportunity to submit him, I’ll take it. If he puts his chin out there I’ll try to touch that as well. So I’ll just take what he gives me because I train for everything.
PRO MMA: How did this Night of Combat 2 card come about? Was it scheduled to take place originally or was it put together to take the place of the Affliction card?
Jay: Actually I think the Night of Combat 2 card was scheduled for a week later than the Affliction card on October 18th. It was scheduled to take place here in Vegas, so when the Affliction card wasn’t happening they just bumped it up one week. Which is perfect for me because now I’m fighting on the same night that I was originally supposed to fight on by God’s grace. I feel great and I’m glad it all worked out for me.
PRO MMA: Affliction and EliteXC just worked together on an event last weekend and they could do so again in the future. This could make a fight between you and Jake Shields possible. Is this a fight that you would be interested in?
Jay: Oh most definitely I’m interested in fighting Jake Shields. However, I’m definitely not looking past the fight I have this weekend. I’ll have to sit down with my team and see how things work out after this upcoming fight. You never know what will happen, but I think this fight with Shields is a possibility and some of it will depend on timing. I think these organizations working together is a great thing, so we’ll see what happens.
PRO MMA: Will you be fighting on the Affliction card that is supposed to take place early next year?
Jay: I’m about 99% sure I’ll be fighting on that card, we’ll just have to see how everything goes this weekend.
PRO MMA: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans, or any sponsors you would like to thank?
Jay: I want to say thanks to all my fans for giving me their support. I really appreciate them and they keep me motivated to do what I do. I also want to thank Xtreme Couture.
PRO MMA: Well Jay we really appreciate you taking the time to speak with us here at PRO MMA. Take care and good luck this weekend.
Jay: Thanks man
A Night of Combat 2 will take place this Saturday, October 11th at The Thomas & Mack Center is Las Vegas, Nevada. The fights will begin at 10pm and if you can’t catch the fights live, they will be airing on HD Net on a one week delay. The entire fight card will be included in the broadcast.